Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Angels and Demons ❯ The Pain Returns ( Chapter 2 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

A/N: Here's the next chapter! Remember, reviews make authors happy, and happy authors update faster!

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Lord Ladislas sat atop his horse, looking at his household before him. It consisted of his servants and his daughter. All the faces before him were sad.

“Don't worry,” he assured them. “I will return in a fortnight.” He looked to Rupert, his head butler. “I am trusting the care of my house and my daughter's well-being to you.”

Rupert bowed. “No harm shall befall this house or any one under its roof,” he said.

“Good,” Ladislas said. He looked to Amber. “Take care, beloved. I'll be back soon.”

Amber nodded, holding in her tears.

Ladislas sighed, looking at the mansion one last time. “Well, I'm off,” he said, turning his horse and riding away.

Amber watched him go, then ran inside. Feeling unwell, she went to bed early, missing dinner.

She slept restlessly, her dreams plaguing her. All night long, a face haunted her. She was certain it was Gavin's, but it was changed somehow. And she did not know the apparition as Gavin. His name she could not find, and it eluded her, staying shortly out of her reach. Finally, she woke, feeling slightly unnerved.

Each day that her father was gone, the following night the apparition appeared in her dreams. She always asked his name, but his reply was the same.

“I don't know who I am,” he would say. “I don't know who you are either.”

The two weeks rolled by slowly, and the day of her father's return came none too soon for Amber. But she was shocked when he arrived shortly after dark.

The weather was terrible, cold and rainy, and she was surprised when a servant announced someone riding toward the house. Amber left the library, surprised anyone would be out in this weather. She walked to the front door to meet the visitor, only to discover it was her father.

“Daddy!” she called to him as he slid from his horse and made his way up the front steps.

A cough shook his body as he fell into her arms. “Amber,” he breathed.

She realized he was injured. Blood stained his clothing and he held his side. “What happened to you?” she gasped.

“Robbers,” he breathed. “On the road.” He clenched against the pain.

“It's alright, Daddy,” she said, leading him inside. She and several servants managed to get him to bed, while she sent one servant to call the doctor. He arrived within minutes.

After careful examination, and securely wrapping the lord's wounds, he pulled Amber aside. They walked into the hallway, Amber closing the door behind her. “Is something wrong?” she whispered.

The doctor nodded. “I'm afraid he has internal bleeding,” he said. “I'm not sure what the extent of it is, but it does not look good.”

Amber stared at him, unable to comprehend what he was saying. “What do you mean?” she asked, afraid to hear the answer.

“If he doesn't start to recover within the next few days, he may die,” the doctor said.

Amber felt her throat constrict. Die?

The doctor gave a heavy sigh as he noted that Amber looked pale. “I'll return tomorrow to check on him,” he said. “I've done all I can for now.”

Amber nodded. She heard what he was saying, but her mind was still trying to process what he had said. Die? He can't die.

The doctor turned. “I'll let myself out,” he said softly.

Again, Amber nodded. She didn't notice him leave as she felt a tear slip down her cheek. This can't be real. She shook her head. This is all just a bad dream, and any minute now I'll wake up. She brushed at the tear on her face, staring at it in shock. This just can't be real. He can't die. What will happen to me? To Inverleigh? What will we do without him? What will I do without him?

She leaned against the wall, feeling the tears fall faster. Gods, don't take him from me. I'll give anything to keep him. Please don't take Daddy away from me.

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A slight rustle of sheets woke Amber from her light slumber. She sat up slightly, looking at her father. His grey eyes were opened slightly, and he gazed around, seeming dazed. Eventually his gaze came to rest on her.

“Amber,” he breathed.

She gave a half-hearted smile. “Daddy,” she said. “How do you feel?”

He gave a ragged cough. Pain crossed his features, but he tried to hide it. “Fine,” he whispered. When more coughs shook his frail body, he brought his gaze to meet Amber's teary hazel eyes. “Dearest.” His voice was a whisper.

“Ssh,” she said quickly, her voice choked. “Don't speak. Save your energy. You need it to heal.”

He continued to gaze at her wearily. “Beloved, I don't think I can heal,” he breathed.

Amber felt her tears fall faster. Fear gripped her heart. “No, don't say that,” she said desperately. “You'll get better.“ Her voice became a soft whisper. “You can't leave me. I need you.”

He touched her hand lightly, the warmth gone from his skin. “Don't you see, sweetheart?” he asked softly. “I'm old. I've lived a full life. I fear it's time for me to leave soon.”

She shook her head. “No!” she yelled. “You can't!” She brushed furiously at her tears. “Don't give up! What will we do with out you?”

He smiled softly. “You have grown into a fine young woman,” he whispered. “I couldn't be more proud to have you for a daughter. And I see the way the servants and tenants look at you. Amber, they adore you. They would do anything for you. I'm not worried about leaving Inverleigh in your hands.”

A smile crept to her face at his words. She wiped away more tears, feeling the hurt fiercely. He was saying goodbye to her. She watched as he closed his eyes. “Daddy?” she whispered.

He breathed deeply and rhythmically.

He had fallen asleep, she realized.

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Amber stood in Aato's stall, brushing his shoulder. She stared blankly at it, lost in thought. After remaining at her father's side for two days, Aaryn had suggested she go out for some fresh air. He assured her that he would alert her if anything changed. She thought about the doctor's visit that morning. He had brought disheartening news with him, only confirming everyone's suspicions.

The lord was indeed worsening, and it only served to break Amber's heart a little more every day. She couldn't understand why he was giving up. She didn't want him to let go, but he wouldn't change his mind, as his condition showed. She felt bitter tears staining her cheeks again.

“My lady,” a voice said, interrupting her thoughts.

She glanced up, already knowing Aaryn's voice. She ceased in brushing Aato and looked at him as he stood in the doorway of the stable.

“Your father is calling everyone in,” he said quietly. “He's asking for you first.”

Amber dropped the brush in her hand, hearing the finality in Aaryn's voice. She knew what he meant, and she raced into the mansion, hurrying to her father's side. She burst through the bedroom door, hearing the sound of the servants weeping nearby.

“Amber,” Lord Ladislas whispered faintly.

“Yes, Daddy,” she said, going to his side. She felt tears sting her eyes. “I'm here.”

“Amber,” he breathed. “Beloved.” He held his hand out to her.

Amber took it gently. As she gazed at his face, she realized how withered and old he now seemed.

“I wanted to speak to you,” he breathed. His grey eyes were saddened, but he met her gaze. “Amber, I'm dying.”

Amber was speechless. She had known all along, but hearing him say it struck her in the chest. She felt the air leave her lungs, being replaced by tears in her eyes.

“The Lord is calling me,” he whispered, his eyes shining peacefully. “I will see Elizabeth once more.”

Amber felt the tears rolling easily down her face. Mother. Still, she was speechless. She wasn't sure what she would say even if her voice was working anyway.

He gazed lovingly at her, a tear escaping his own eye.

“Daddy,” she whispered.

“There, there,” he comforted. “It's alright, Amber. You'll see. Things will turn out right.”

“How can things be right again?” she demanded, her voice broken. “You're dying.”

“Everything must die,” he said quietly. “It's part of living.” His breathing had become short and ragged, and his face grew tired at those words. “Now, listen to me carefully. There are only three things I want you to have in this world.”

She closed her eyes, blinking against the tears. “I'm listening,” she whispered.

“First, be happy,” he whispered, smiling. He touched her cheek, bringing her gaze to meet his. “Amber, life is nothing without happiness.”

She nodded.

He brushed a tear away. “Second, always take care of Inverleigh and the people living here,” he said, his eyes watching her face.

“Of course,” she whispered.

Next, he grasped her hand firmly in his. It wasn't until now that Amber realized her was clutching something tightly to his chest. He placed it in her hand, closing her fingers around it. “This was your mother's,” he whispered. He coughed suddenly.

Amber placed a hand on his shoulder.

“It is enchanted,” he breathed, his breaths more ragged than before. “It will grant you one wish, but only if it is truly something you want in your heart.”

“It will grant me anything?” she whispered, staring at the bundle.

He nodded, closing his eyes. “But you must promise me one thing,” he whispered. His voice became barely audible.

She leaned in to catch his words. “Anything Daddy,” she said.

“Do not wish me back,” he murmured quietly, so that she almost missed it. Then he sighed deeply. A small smile came to his face. “I love you…Amber.”

Amber pulled back and stared at him. She could feel her heart in her throat as she stared at him for a second. That one second seemed an eternity before she could find her voice again. “Daddy?” she whispered.

She received no reply.

She shook him lightly, feeling choked. She fell to pieces as she realized he was gone. “Don't go yet,” she said, letting her head drop into her hands. She sobbed quietly. “I'm not ready. Don't go.” She shook her head. “I'm not ready.”